Full Custom Rail-to-Rail Self-Calibrating Comparator for Low Voltage Successive Approximation Register Analog-to-Digital Converter

The demand for low power consuming devices is increasing, particularly that of wireless sensor networks (WSN). This study aims to address this problem by designing a novel rail-to-rail comparator for SAR ADC integrated with selfcalibration to null offset. In this study, rail-to-rail comparator, self-calibrating comparator, and rail-to-rail self-calibrating comparator are the circuits that will be designed, compared and analyzed. The three circuit designs were realized using the 0.18um CMOS technologyand has undergonePVT variations. The designed comparators all operate with a 1.8 V supply. In comparing and determining which circuit is the best in terms of their response, all the circuits will be compared based on six parameters to be measured thru the use of Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis, also known as SPICE. The rail-to-rail comparator design resulted in an ICMR of 700mV. The self-calibratingcomparator design has a prominent value of 78dB for its CMRR. On the other hand, the novel rail-to-rail self-calibrating comparator design has highlighted a 5.15 V/us slew rate, with a power dissipation of only 22.40uW. A layout of the novel rail-to-rail self-calibrating comparator was also implemented which has a power dissipation 25.60uW and a slew rate of 4.16 V/us. It was found that the proposed design’s key features are stable performance over wide temperature ranges from 0°C up to 49°C, high value of slew rate and low power consumption without compromising its function

Solution structure of the N-terminal extension domain of a Schistosoma japonicum asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase

Several secreted proteins from helminths (parasitic worms) have been shown to have immunomodulatory activities. Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetases are abundantly secreted in the filarial nematode Brugia malayi (BmAsnRS) and the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma japonicum (SjAsnRS), indicating a possible immune function. The suggestion is supported by BmAsnRS alleviating disease symptoms in a T-cell transfer mouse model of colitis. This immunomodulatory function is potentially related to an N-terminal extension domain present in eukaryotic AsnRS proteins but few structure/function studies have been done on this domain. Here we have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of the N-terminal extension domain of SjAsnRS. A protein containing the 114 N-terminal amino acids of SjAsnRS was recombinantly expressed with isotopic labelling to allow structure determination using 3D NMR spectroscopy, and analysis of dynamics using NMR relaxation experiments. Structural comparisons of the N-terminal extension domain of SjAsnRS with filarial and human homologues highlight a high degree of variability in the β-hairpin region of these eukaryotic N-AsnRS proteins, but similarities in the disorder of the C-terminal regions. Limitations in PrDOS-based intrinsically disordered region (IDR) model predictions were also evident in this comparison. Empirical structural data such as that presented in our study for N-SjAsnRS will enhance the prediction of sequence-homology based structure modelling and prediction of IDRs in the future

Unmasking the relocation experiences of urban poor in Pinagsama Villages, Taguig, Metro Manila

This study described the relocation experiences of selected relocatees in Taguig, Metro Manila. This study looked into the factors that influenced the experience of urban poor relocatees’ at the Pinagsama Villages,Taguig, Metro Manila. The quantitative approach was used in the study with the use of the survey. Sixty (60) respondents were gathered who were relocated to the Pinagsama Villages for more than a year. A semi-structured instrument was used to gather the data. The findings revealed that the respondents were of 25 to 70 years old, most are nondegree holders, and majority of them employed as seasonal workers. For their reasons for relocations, most of the respondents transferred to the Pinagsama Villages involuntarily. Different services were provided in the areas which were provided by different agencies. The different agencies consisted of the local government units, non government organizations, private institutions, and people’s organizations. These institutions were active in providing such services which were classified as physical, psycho-social, and economic. The other part of the study evolved around the different relocation experiences of the respondents. The study found that psycho-social areas and political domains were improved while the economic arenas have mixed perceptions. Different factors were also gathered from the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the relocatees to determine if they have an influence on their relocation experience. Even their reasons for relocations and the types and services provided were also checked to identify if they have influence on their relocation experiences. The study found that education and household size have effects on psycho-social areas and the political domain of their relocation respectively. Lastly, the presence of services provided by different institutions in the area increased their appreciation of their relocation in the Pinagsama Villages

New Layered Oxide-Fluoride Perovskites: KNaNbOF5 and KNaMO2F4 (M = Mo6+, W6+)

KNaNbOF5 and KNaMO2F4 (M = Mo6+, W6+), three new layered oxide-fluoride perovskites with the general formula ABB’X6, form from the combination of a second-order Jahn-Teller d0 transition metal and an alkali metal (Na+) on the B-site. Alternating layers of cation vacancies and K+ cations on the A-site complete the structure. The K+ cations are found in the A-site layer where the fluoride ions are located. The A-site is vacant in the adjacent A-site layer where the axial oxides are located. This unusual layered arrangement of unoccupied A-sites and under bonded oxygen has not been observed previously although many perovskite-related structures are known

Factor analyis on microfinance institutions in Luzon: Social and financial performance of microfinace institutions (2007-2011)

Through this research, it showed what relevant factors affected financial and social performances of microfinance institutions especially in Luzon during years 2007-2011. It used the approach of factor analysis to see if how relevant the variables affected the performances in two ways which are outreach and sustainability. For having accurate and realistic result, it focused on 15 microfinance institutions primarily operating in Luzon with complete financial data. But for financial data, there were gaps among 15 microfinance institutions in recording financial information with different way or style of accounting design. The study may support microfinance institutions here in the Philippines through editing systematic problem of it to make applicable in the country

The impact of parental infidelity among late adolescents\u27 perception of parenthood

The family is the first social environment of children which has a significant influence on their growth and development. If there were disruptions in the family system such as interparental conflicts, this could eventually lead to parental infidelity and may cause a negative impact on the children which would then affect them as they transition to higher developmental stages-- especially late adolescence wherein they engage in romantic relationships. The current study focuses on 16 late adolescents, ranging from 18-24 years old, who have experienced parental infidelity and its effect on their perception of parenthood. Using semi-structured interview and interpretative phenomenological analysis, the researchers were able to make meaning out of the experiences through 4 main issues: 1) how participants would like to raise their children, 2) what their expecttions are with their future partner, 3) how they want their relationship would be with their children, and 4) what values they want to instill to their children. Under these issues, various themes emerged from the interview data and revealed the underlying patterns which would support and answer the research questions intended for this paper

Towards the new and next normal: A study on business resilience and virtual event strategies for event success of three selected event companies in Metro Manila amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Events are deemed an important part of human life. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to the events industry both locally and internationally, impacting the capacity of several events companies. The challenge of the pandemic has forced industry transformation -- with event companies transitioning to virtual events as an alternative for in-person events. This research paper is a multiple case study of Partyforum Events and Marketing, Ingenio Creatives Advertising Corp., and 4.0 MANAGEMENT. A triangulation method consisting of individual interviews with company representatives, focus group discussions with various event stakeholders, and individual interviews with industry experts was used to explore the strategies that have allowed these companies to stay resilient and successfully organize virtual corporate events despite the ongoing pandemic The data gathering and analysis procedures were patterned with the case study methodology of Yin (2003). The findings revealed that the following are effective strategies for achieving event success: 1) forming connections, 2) adaptability and learning, 3) boost in-person confidence, 4) pre-planning and planning, 5) interactive events, 6) topic and content, 7) evaluation, and 8) privacy and security. A detailed discussion on what these strategies are and how they lead to the successful implementation of events are presented in this paper

A study on the relationship of corporate governance scores and financial and stock performance of the top publicly listed companies in the Philippines for the period 2008-2012

This study examines the effect of corporate governance practices on company\u27s financial performance and stock performances on the top publicly listed companies for the years 2008 to 2012. Corporate governance scores from ASEAN governance scorecard that are accomplished by the researchers measure each company\u27s corporate governance practices. Ratios such as return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and profit margin are proxies used to measure financial performance. Meanwhile, price to book value (PBV) is used as proxy for the stock performance. Sample used in this paper are the 30 companies belonging to PSEi for the year 2012. The findings of the study showed that scores under rights of shareholders has a significant positive impact on return on assets. For return on equity, it is significantly affected by the companies\u27 compliance on corporate governance practices that covers the board responsibilities. Meanwhile, there are three areas on corporate governance that significantly affected profit margin. Corporate governance scores for section A and E have a positive impact while scores under D has negative influence on profit margin. Lastly, companies\u27 score under board responsibilities has significant positive impact on price to book value

Associations of functional health literacy with socioeconomic and demographic status among Filipinos

Abstract Background Health literacy determines an individual’s decision-making process in providing judgment concerning appropriate healthcare. Considering the various purposes of literacy for people, functional health literacy (FHL) was identified as a type of literacy that is measured by the application of literacy skills to health-related materials as a result of health education. The objective of this study was to identify the possible socio-demographic correlates of FHL of Filipinos. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,303 Filipinos aged 15 to 70 years old in 2018–2019 utilizing the National Health Literacy Survey. Functional health literacy was determined using the FHL-5 Test which measured prose, document, and numeracy skills. Descriptive analysis presented socio-demographic characteristics and level of FHL. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate associations of FHL adequacy with socio-demographic characteristics. Results Overall, the study involved 1,997 (86.7%) qualified participants. Most of them demonstrated prose literacy skills and had adequate FHL. Adjusted regression analyses showed that participants with a college-level education (Adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.27–1.60), categorized under domestic service occupation (APR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.37), and those residing in urban areas (APR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.24) were significantly more prevalent in exhibiting FHL adequacy. In contrast, male participants and individuals aged 60 years or above were less likely to demonstrate FHL adequacy. Conclusions The study presents a baseline assessment of the functional health literacy level, measured using the FHL-5 Test, of adults in the Philippines. Majority of the participants demonstrated FHL adequacy, with relatively higher scores in prose than numeracy literacy. The measurement of FHL adequacy can inform policies on methods of health education and communication, emphasizing the need to stratify the audience based on socio-demographic characteristics and adapt the content and design of informational materials for population-based health educational programs

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of School-Based Physical Activity Research

Physical activity has captured considerable interest from international academic scholars due to its fundamental role in maintaining optimal health. Thus, this study sought to examine the scholarly articles on school-based physical activity, employing a comprehensive bibliometric analysis extracted from the Scopus database spanning 2013 to 2023. A filtering protocol was utilized to guide the selection of articles, and analyses were facilitated solely by Python programming. This research yielded extensive insights encompassing document type, publication rates, citation rates, prevalent keywords, and geographic distribution. The results revealed the prominence of "Articles" as the primary document category. Notably, the year 2020 was observed as the highest publication count, with 2014 being the peak year for citation rates. However, both publication and citation patterns exhibited substantial fluctuations. These analyses collectively identify the United States as the largest contributor among the top ten countries, accompanied by substantial contributions from European nations. The analysis of the top 50 most-cited journal articles indicates a prevalence of articles authored by one to five individuals, with a peak in publications during 2014, followed by a gradual decline. Notably, the keyword "children" prominently emerges across the datasets, underscoring its frequent utilization in the context of school-based physical activity research